Leh, Sept 30: For the first time since last week’s deadly clashes, residents of Leh were able to step out a little longer on Tuesday. Authorities eased the curfew for four hours from 10 am, asking shopkeepers to open their stores and allow people to buy essentials.
On Monday, curfew had been lifted briefly for two hours in the evening, just after the last rites of the four people — including a retired Army soldier — who lost their lives in the September 24 violence. That unrest left more than 60 people arrested, among them well-known climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has since been detained under the National Security Act and sent to Jodhpur jail.
Officials said the town has remained largely peaceful since the clashes, with police and paramilitary forces maintaining a strong presence in sensitive pockets. Internet services, however, remain suspended, and restrictions on gatherings are still in force across Ladakh, including in Kargil.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has been holding daily security reviews. On Monday, he urged locals not to give in to “the designs of anti-social elements,” while assuring that their genuine concerns would be addressed through dialogue. He also instructed his administration to step up community outreach and respond quickly to people’s grievances.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh BJP said the firing that killed the protesters must be thoroughly investigated and demanded the release of those arrested for “minor offences.” “Ladakhis are known for resilience and peace. We must not fall prey to rumours or take law and order into our own hands,” the party said, calling for unity in the face of the crisis.
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